I had earlier read short stories from Premendra Mitra, way back in 2011. It was one of those lucky encounters with a good book in the library, like how one might meet a stranger in a train that turns out to be a wonderful companion for your journey.
This one too, is from the library, in a different city and in a different year. But the joy was the same.
Premendra Mitra wrote in Bengali - he was a well known author in 1930's. This book is a translated version of course, although I am pretty much sure it has been successful in bringing out the essence of those short stories.
The language is lyrical yet not obscure and often takes you by surprise due to its vivid descriptions, insights on the human condition and emotions. In a country like India where the social fabric has pretty much stayed the same, at least in rural settings, the stories feel surprisingly contemporary.
Many of the stories have 'slice of life' feel to them - a phrase that I do not like very much, but use here for want of better description. But some of them do have spooky, ethereal quality, almost giving you a feel of magical realism, making it a style that was used in writing much before the famous Marquez did.
It was definitely worth the time. I shall try and get my hands on some more of his stories.
This one too, is from the library, in a different city and in a different year. But the joy was the same.
Premendra Mitra wrote in Bengali - he was a well known author in 1930's. This book is a translated version of course, although I am pretty much sure it has been successful in bringing out the essence of those short stories.
The language is lyrical yet not obscure and often takes you by surprise due to its vivid descriptions, insights on the human condition and emotions. In a country like India where the social fabric has pretty much stayed the same, at least in rural settings, the stories feel surprisingly contemporary.
Many of the stories have 'slice of life' feel to them - a phrase that I do not like very much, but use here for want of better description. But some of them do have spooky, ethereal quality, almost giving you a feel of magical realism, making it a style that was used in writing much before the famous Marquez did.
It was definitely worth the time. I shall try and get my hands on some more of his stories.
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